Bill > H0861

This bill establishes a permanent position for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator within the Agency of Administration, tasked with coordinating all state programs, services, and activities to ensure they are accessible to and available for individuals with disabilities. The Coordinator must have lived experience of a disability, possess a recognized ADA coordinator certificate, and have comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal and state disability rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794). Candidates for this position will be considered only if nominated by specific disability advocacy organizations, such as Disability Rights Vermont and the Vermont Center for Independent Living. The Coordinator will work with state agencies to monitor compliance, act as a consultant, ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities, educate state employees on disability access and ableism, audit programs for compliance, oversee self-evaluation processes, monitor transition plans for structural accessibility, provide public notice of ADA rights, apply for grants, maintain relationships with advocacy groups, and facilitate partnerships to align policies and programs with ADA compliance. The Agency of Administration will provide administrative, legal, and technical support to the Coordinator, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026, contingent upon a $150,000 appropriation for the position in the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.861